Danbury's Jasmine Holmes, one of the three Hatters honored at Senior Night, puts up a jump shot in an FCIAC game against Trumbull Friday night at Danbury High.

Danbury's Jasmine Holmes, one of the three Hatters honored at Senior Night, puts up a jump shot in an FCIAC game against Trumbull Friday night at Danbury High.

Photo: Barry Horn

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Danbury's Rabia Rawji drives in for a layup past Trumbull's Megan Puglia during an FCIAC game Friday night at Danbury High.

Danbury's Rabia Rawji drives in for a layup past Trumbull's Megan Puglia during an FCIAC game Friday night at Danbury High.

Photo: Barry Horn

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Danbury's Casey Smith (10) puts up a shot over Trumbull's Erin Moore during their FCIAC game Friday night at Danbury High.

Danbury's Casey Smith (10) puts up a shot over Trumbull's Erin Moore during their FCIAC game Friday night at Danbury High.

Photo: Barry Horn

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Cancer survivor Pudgie Delohery of Danbury throws up the ceremonial pink basketball as part of the Hatters' promotion of cancer awareness Friday night at Danbury High.

Cancer survivor Pudgie Delohery of Danbury throws up the ceremonial pink basketball as part of the Hatters' promotion of cancer awareness Friday night at Danbury High.

Photo: Barry Horn

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Danbury girls win in Bobby DiNardo's honor on 'Pink Night'

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DANBURY -- For a half, Trumbull High's girls basketball team gave Danbury a terrific test.

In reality, however, the Golden Eagles' chances of victory on this night were severely comprised by a host of festivities, and the Hatters rolled to a 57-29 victory behind 23 points from sophomore Casey Smith.

To start, the Hatters celebrated the final regular season home game of three seniors. It was also "Pink Night" to promote cancer awareness, and "Pack The Gym Night" at the school.

The game had particular significance for the Hatters (12-6 overall, 11-5 Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference) in that Bobby DiNardo, the husband of coach Jackie DiNardo and an assistant on her staff, succumbed to the disease last June.

"It really means a lot," said senior Melissa Michaelis, who was honored before the game with teammates Jasmine Holmes and Allison Kornhaas. "We all wanted to do it for Mr. D. It has been on our minds all season. It was important that we win for him."

There were flowers, posters, tributes, balloons and a large crowd on hand, all of which contributed to a special night, even for Trumbull.

"I've looked up to Jackie since I've become part of the league," Trumbull coach Steve Tobitsch said. "I told her how proud I was to be part of this tonight."

The Golden Eagles (9-9, 8-9) looked like they might throw a wet blanket on the pomp and circumstance when they went on an 11-1 run to take an 18-15 lead midway through the second quarter. Danbury fought back to take a 21-18 lead at the half, but Trumbull did a great job of limiting Smith to just one field and three points through the first 16 minutes.

That changed quickly in the second half, however, as Smith scored two quick baskets in the first minute of the second half. Kornhaas' 3-pointer made it 28-18, and Danbury went on to limit Trumbull to one field goal in the third quarter. Smith took charge, scoring eight points as the lead grew to 37-20 entering the final quarter.

"We had to pick up our defense," Danbury coach Jackie DiNardo said.

Smith stayed hot in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 more points to help the Hatters finish off a special night in grand style.

Point guard Holmes (five points) used her quickness to penetrate against Trumbull's guards and Nicole Kline (10 points) also played well for the Hatters, who are playing their best basketball at the end of the season.

"We had a lot of emotion out there tonight, but this team has been through a lot," DiNardo said. "We've been playing better every game."